Student Success
Admitted Transfer Student Success Guide (USM)
Page Content
Welcome Transfer Students!
Welcome to Southern Miss! As a transfer student, you bring valuable college experience,
skills, and perspectives with you. While you may already be familiar with college
expectations, adjusting to a new campus, academic system, and support structure can
still take time. This page is designed to help you navigate that transition, understand
what to prioritize early, and connect with resources that support your academic and
personal success.
How to Be Successful
Next Steps After Admission
New transfer students are encouraged to complete the Admitted Students Checklist from the undergraduate admissions page.
Your First Month
Week 1: Get Oriented
- Confirm your class schedule and locate your classrooms
- Log in to Canvas and review syllabi for each course
- Begin checking your Southern Miss email daily
- Review your degree requirements and academic plan
Week 2: Build Your Routine
- Establish a consistent schedule for class, study time, and deadlines
- Track assignments and upcoming exams
- Identify courses that may require additional support
- Begin using academic resources if needed
Week 3: Make Connections
- Attend campus or transfer-specific events
- Introduce yourself to professors or advisors
- Connect with peers in your classes or major
- Explore student organizations or involvement opportunities
Week 4: Check In and Adjust
- Reflect on your academic progress and workload
- Address any challenges before they escalate
- Reach out for academic or personal support if needed
- Make adjustments to study strategies or routines
GEWW (Golden Eagle Welcome Week)
Golden Eagle Welcome Week (GEWW) takes place before the start of the semester and is designed to help new students transition to life at Southern Miss. GEWW offers a variety of events that introduce campus resources, academic expectations, and opportunities to connect with other students.
While GEWW is open to all new students, transfer students are encouraged to attend events that support community-building and campus familiarity. Participating in GEWW can help you feel more connected, learn where to go for support, and start the semester with confidence. For more information on GEWW, click here.
UNV 301?
UNV 301, or Transfer Student Success, is a student success course designed to support transfer students during their transition to Southern Miss. The course focuses on developing academic strategies, understanding university expectations, and becoming familiar with campus resources.
For many transfer students, UNV 301 provides structure during the first weeks of the semester and offers guidance on time management, communication with faculty, and navigating academic requirements. For more information on UNV 100, click here.
Advice from Peers
The following answers to the provided questions were provided by past transfer students at the University of Southern Mississippi.
1. What advice would you give transfer students about meeting with advisors?
I would advise transfer students to not be scared to talk to advisors. The advisors at campus are truly here for us and that is their purpose, they want us to graduate so be very open to talking to them.
Anonymous
2. What do you wish you had known during your first month at USM?
I wish I knew how many semesters I would have had before I came, I graduate very soon and I’ve only been here 1 semester, which is truly a blessing. I graduate in December of 2026.
Anonymous
3. What do you wish you had known during your first month at USM?
I would say that Eagle Hub and Outlook are the two most important apps to have on your phone. Thoroughly check your email daily, as it may contain opportunities you definitely don't want to miss.
Anonymous
4. What academic habits helped you succeed after transferring?
Studying! When I was in high school and at my JUCO, I was one of those students who was able to walk into a test and nail it without even studying a lick. Since coming to USM, that has changed quite a bit and I have learned to practice good study habits and utilize some of the tools that have been provided to me.
Anonymous
5. What was the biggest adjustment you had to make after transferring to Southern Miss?
My biggest adjustment was having to find ways to study due to junior college being as easy as high school, and then the University taking time and effort to pass. That adjustment also came with me needing to learn time management on a different level because I also had to work and pay bills while maintaining a social life.
Anonymous
6. What do you wish you had known during your first month at USM?
During my first month at USM, I wish that I had known to read over all my syllabus and create and studying schedule for my classes, that was built around my work schedule.
Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions for Transfer Students
Transfer Admission Info
Transfer Credit Equivalencies
At Southern Miss, transfer credit helps you make the most of work you have already completed toward your degree. Most students can transfer up to 90 credit hours from an accredited institution which often ends up being as much as 75% of a bachelor’s degree. Click here for more info.
To help you plan ahead, Southern Miss participates in statewide course articulation tools like the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool (MATT), which allows you to see how community college courses may match up with Southern Miss courses and degree requirements. This can give you a preview of how your credits might apply, especially for general education and major prerequisites.
Some academic programs also offer transfer guides that outline which courses from Mississippi community colleges align with specific majors at Southern Miss. These guides can help you choose coursework that fits a 2+2 transfer plan (two years at a community college followed by two years at USM).
Community College Transfer Guides
Keep in mind that your official transcript evaluation, conducted by the Office of Admissions after you apply, determines exactly how your credits will be applied to your degree. Advising can help you interpret that evaluation and make a semester plan based on how your credits have been evaluated.
MS Tag Program
The Mississippi Transfer Admission Guarantee (MS TAG) is a statewide agreement designed to support students transferring from Mississippi community colleges to Southern Miss. MS TAG outlines clear pathways that help eligible students transition smoothly by identifying coursework that aligns with bachelor’s degree requirements.
Students who follow an approved MS TAG pathway and meet eligibility requirements can feel more confident that their completed coursework will apply toward their degree. MS TAG is especially helpful for students planning a 2+2 pathway, two years at a community college followed by two years at Southern Miss.
Meeting with an academic advisor can help determine whether MS TAG applies to your academic history and how it fits into your graduation plan.
Mississippi Transfer Admission Guarantee
Transfer Programming
National Transfer Student Week
Southern Miss celebrates National Transfer Student Week each year to recognize the unique experiences and contributions of transfer students. Throughout the week, the university hosts transfer-focused events that promote connection, community, and awareness of resources available to support transfer student success.
National Transfer Student Week also provides opportunities for transfer students to meet peers, engage with campus offices, and celebrate their academic journeys while highlighting the important role transfer students play in the Southern Miss community. See CSS Website for more details.
National Transfer Student Week
Success Coaching
Success Coaching through the Center for Student Success provides one-on-one support to help students navigate academics, set goals, and stay on track. Coaches work with students on areas such as time management, organization, study strategies, motivation, and balancing school with other responsibilities. Many transfer students use success coaching to adjust to new academic expectations, clarify priorities, and develop routines that support long-term success.
Transfer Transitions Mentor Program
The Transfer Transitions Mentor Program connects new transfer students with experienced
transfer or continuing students who can offer guidance during the transition to Southern
Miss. Mentors help new students navigate campus culture, understand academic expectations,
and identify helpful resources.
Through peer support and shared experience, the program provides transfer students with a point of connection as they adjust to a new academic environment. Many students find that having a mentor helps make the campus feel more approachable and easier to navigate during their first semester.
Transfer Transitions Mentor Program
Transfer Student Association
The Transfer Student Association (TSA) is a student-led organization that supports
and represents transfer students at Southern Miss. The association provides opportunities
for transfer students to connect with peers, share experiences, and build a sense
of community on campus. Through meetings, events, and collaboration with campus offices,
the Transfer Student Association helps transfer students stay informed, get involved,
and feel connected throughout their time at Southern Miss.
Tau Sigma Honor Society
Tau Sigma is a national honor society that recognizes the academic achievement of transfer students. Membership is by invitation and is based on academic performance during a student’s first term at Southern Miss.
Tau Sigma provides opportunities for leadership, service, and connection with other high-achieving transfer students, while also recognizing the hard work and success transfer students bring to the university.
Campus Resources
Academic Advising
Achieve
Engage
Thrive
Helpful Hints
Academic Honesty
USM expects all students to follow academic integrity policies. This means doing your own work, avoiding plagiarism, and citing sources properly. When in doubt, ask your professor—it’s always better to clarify. |
Official Communication
Your @usm.edu email is the university’s primary communication method. Professors, financial aid, and campus offices will all use it—so check it daily or set notifications to avoid missing important updates. |
Talking to Professors
Professors at USM expect students to take initiative. Attend office hours, introduce yourself early, and reach out if you need help. Clear, respectful communication can make a big difference in your success. |
Food Services
USM offers dining options like the Fresh Food Company, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks in the Thad Cochran Center. Meal plans are available, or you can pay as you go. |
Getting Around Campus / Map
The Hattiesburg campus is walkable, but distances can add up. Use the campus map to plan your routes and give yourself extra time during the first week. |
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Important Places to Know in Hattiesburg
Key on-campus spots include Cook Library, the Thad Cochran Center, and Student Counseling Services which are all central to academics, student life, and support. Nearby essentials like Walmart and the restaurants along Hardy Street make day-to-day living convenient. Knowing these early can help you settle in more quickly.
For school spirit and events, Pete Taylor Park (baseball) and The Rock (football stadium) are major gathering places for students.
Hattiesburg is often called the “Hub City” because of its central location, being about 1.5 hours from Jackson, New Orleans, Mobile, and Orange Beach, and about 2.5 hours from the Florida Panhandle (e.g., Pensacola).
Downtown vs. Midtown
Downtown Hattiesburg is the historic, arts-focused area filled with murals, local businesses, and entertainment. Popular spots include Hattiesburgers, Grateful Soul, The Lucky Rabbit, Keg & Barrel, Glory Bound, and T-Bones Records. The area is divided into nationally registered historic districts and features some of the oldest homes in the city (over 100 years old).
Downtown is also known for events like Live at Five, trivia nights, and a lively social scene.
Midtown sits between downtown and the university and has a quieter, more residential feel with many mid-century homes. The Longleaf Trace runs from USM (near Sumerall Field) to downtown, making the area great for walking, biking, and even golf cart use. Midtown is very walkable and convenient, with close access to both campus and downtown.
The Avenues
“The Avenues” is a historic neighborhood near campus with streets named after trees. It’s a popular area for students and families due to its proximity to USM and strong sense of community. Nearby attractions include the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serengeti Springs Water Park. The area is also close to Forrest General Hospital, one of the largest privately owned hospitals in Mississippi. With over 200 local restaurants in the broader Hattiesburg area, there are plenty of food options nearby.
OG/West Hattiesburg
West Hattiesburg—often referred to as “OG” (Oak Grove)—is the newer, more suburban side of town along Highway 98. This area has most of the major shopping and chain options, including Target, HomeGoods, the mall, and a movie theater. It’s also home to Oak Grove High School, one of the top schools in Mississippi, and areas like Lake Serene. Many newer apartments and developments are located here.
Common Terms You’ll Hear at The University of Southern Mississippi
When you first arrive at USM, you’ll hear people using terms that might not have been common at your previous school. It can feel like learning a new language at first, so here are some of the most common USM terms to help you feel more confident and prepared.
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